Thinkzilla, a brand, marketing and PR agency based in Atlanta, announced plans to open a new office at SkySong, the Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center.
The consulting firm said it will hire 25 employees in the first six months.
Female and minority-owned Thinkzilla chose Scottsdale because of the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem here. Company leaders were specifically interested in the diverse demographic and talent base and the city’s leadership in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
In April, Scottsdale unanimously adopted an anti-discrimination ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. This ordinance is in line with Thinkzilla’s goal of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, like expanding resources and knowledge to minority entrepreneurs and their businesses.
“As we broaden our supplier diversity, and diversity and inclusion programs across the country, we look forward to helping more companies boost economic empowerment, find meaningful social engagement and manage social equity initiatives,” said Thinkzilla CEO Dr. Velma Trayham in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of our track record of helping diverse businesses, communities and individuals, and look forward to connecting with the Scottsdale community to grow innovation and opportunities.”
Thinkzilla believes inclusive and equitable businesses and communities drive prosperity. Increasing awareness to those programs and initiatives supports underserved and underrepresented communities.
Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega praised Thinkzilla for its mission.
“Dr. Trayham’s company, Thinkzilla, as well as her entrepreneur accelerator program to support minority women as they scale their businesses, aligns with Scottsdale’s mission to support and attract businesses that promote diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said in a statement. “The City-adopted economic development strategic plan and our anti-discrimination ordinance lets businesses know that Scottsdale is a destination for innovative and diverse companies like Thinkzilla, who we are thrilled to welcome to their new home at SkySong.”
The inaugural Arizona State of Black Business report from March said, “investing in Black business through community-driven policies and practices that remove barriers to full participation in the larger economy, including access to capital and systemic inequity, is sound, comprehensive economic and community development strategy.”
“Our diversity is our greatest strength,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, in a statement. “Creating opportunity and an equitable community is accomplished only through inclusive growth, and we look forward to working with Thinkzilla, the City of Scottsdale and ASU to support their continued success.”